Keller Williams Realty NEWS:
Don't Discount The Tax Credit Yet!
Last week, after the Senate gave its final and fully supportive approval on the homebuyer tax credit extension, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the legislation, sending the tax credit to President Obama who's final sign-off on Friday made it official.
The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which was slated to expire Nov. 30, 2009, will be extended for contracts signed before May 1, 2010 that close before July 1, 2010. First-time buyers, who are in the process of closing now, no longer have to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 tax credit if they do end up closing after the Nov. 30 deadline. The new legislation also increases the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the current level.
Buyers who already own a home are also now eligible for a tax credit and the purchase of a home. The $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years. The legislation does set forth several provision including, limiting eligibility for existing homeowners to homes worth $800,000 or less, as well as making both credits available only for primary residences, not second homes or investment properties. The legislation will take effect December 1, 2009 and is not retroactive.
The original first-time homebuyer tax credit jump-started the housing market, driving home sales to the highest level in more than two yeas. The National Association REALTORS® reported sales jumped 9.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million units in September and are 9.2 percent higher than the 5.10 million-unit pace in September 2008.
As a steady flow of first-timers and new move-up buyers begin to saturate the market, you have an optimal opportunity to position yourself as their real estate agent of choice. In this prospecting, lead generation market, it helps to have resources to give to your clients. Check out Your First Home: The Proven Path to Homeownership, a great tool to give all your new first-time clients. Also, be sure to check out the Your First Home presentation materials. Holding a first-time homebuyer seminar in you local market is just one of many successful methods for driving clients in your direction.
Sources: http://rismedia.com/2009-11-04/senate-clears-homebuyer-tax-credit-extension-may-pass-as-early-as-this-week/#ixzz0W1OxxPSX http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/2009/11/congress-passes-homebuyer-tax-credit/ http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3548enr.txt.pdf
Want the latest news and updates on everything from tax credits to first-time homebuyers? Become a fan of the Your First Home Facebook Page.
Related Posts:
By: Twitter Buttons
Comments(0)